We recently shared how to identify when to refresh or expand a participants’ playlist. Here are a few ideas to help you get started refreshing playlists effectively:
Use available resources in the Care Community. Consider the assessment tools available in the Care Community that helped you create your participants’ original playlists, including the Artist Matrix and the Music Assessment Questionnaire. You can use these tools as a starting point to discover new songs. Keep track with any playlist changes or requests with the Playlist Change Request Tracking Form.
Switch it up by cycling songs in and out. Rather than deleting songs off a playlist, create a new folder in iTunes to store any songs you may remove from a playlist. That way in another six months you can keep playlists fresh by selecting songs to add back into the playlist again. You can cycle songs in and out regularly according to the needs of your participants.
Use the iTunes Genius function. iTunes Genius super charges your ability to find new music for your participants. It can show you new songs to consider adding to your playlists. Check out “How to Create Great Playlists with iTunes Genius” to learn how to use the Genius Playlist function. See if any of these songs inspire a positive reaction in your participants.
An example of a MUSIC & MEMORY® Certified Organization that has made updating their participants’ playlists a program standard is Morgan City Healthcare Center. They recently shared a story on their Facebook page about a resident, Miss Laura, who became less interested in her music. Kayla, the Music & Memory Coordinator, writes:
“[Miss Laura] eventually revealed to a nurse that she hated the music on her iPod. When I went to ask her specifically what it was that she didn’t like about it, she explained to me that she’s grown to dislike the Jazz music, but she still likes Gospel, and would like some Motown added.
Later that day, I came back with her new playlist, and this was her instant reaction! If you listen closely, you can hear her say ‘Mr. Postman,’ which is the song she was listening to at that time. She was able to recognize a lot of her new music, which gave me a newfound confidence in her personalized playlist.
Our Music & Memory program is dedicated to making sure residents’ playlists stay updated according to each resident’s current music taste. Sometimes, we just change our minds or get tired of the same old thing, and that’s okay! This is why it takes a team to stay in touch with residents’ likes and dislikes and make sure we stay current!”
If you have a story or tip you’d like to share with peers about refreshing playlists, we want to hear! Email us.